Pet Health Information

DENTAL DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS

Dental disease can be a serious problem for many pets. Food, saliva, and bacteria deposit on the surface of the teeth to form a yellow layer of dental plaque. With time the plaque mineralizes to form calculi or tartar. This plaque and tartar promote the growth of bacteria, which leads to infection and destruction of the gums and supporting tissue around the teeth (periodontal disease). The animal will have bad breath and a painful mouth. Sometimes the root of a tooth will become infected and abscessed, and often teeth will fall out. Once tartar has formed, it can be removed only by having the teeth cleaned. The animal is anesthetized, the teeth are cleaned using ultrasonic machine, and then polished. Severely infected teeth are extracted. Very often antibiotics are needed for as long as 3 weeks to treat the infected gums. If careful home care is used, one can prevent future build-up of tartar.

Periodontal disease can often be prevented by following several steps. First, avoid feeding your pet sweets and table scraps. Dry food, biscuits, and safe hard nylon chew toys will help cleanse the teeth. Brushing will help tremendously. If you start when your pet is young he/she will learn to tolerate the process. Use a pediatric soft toothbrush or just a washcloth, with either a special veterinary toothpaste, a non-detergent, non-foaming toothpaste such as Peak, or baking soda and warm water. You can rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash if desired; usually water will do. Brush at least several times a week—daily if possible.

Using a metal dental scaler is fine although if there is much plaque and/or tartar, ultrasonic scaling is necessary. Many of the smaller dogs breeds, such as Poodles, Schnauzers, Yorkies, Pomeranians, etc., and some purebred cats will need to have their teeth cleaned professionally once or twice a year as they get older. The time span between cleanings can be lengthened with good routine home dental care.

Hickory Veterinary Hospital © 2005